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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Saitama governor: Historically, there have been no 'war-time sex slaves'

Saitama Prefectural Governor Ueda Seiji has publicly denied the historical existence of "war-time sex slaves," drawing criticism from the public.

In reply to a question by a Liberal Democratic Party assembly member at the prefectural assembly session on June 27, the governor stated, "Historically, there have been no 'war-time sex slaves,' though there were 'comfort women'."

He claimed, "Comfort women gathered together voluntarily, or were led by civilian traders where troops were stationed. The military never brought the women with it."

Yamagishi Akiko, JCP Saitama Prefectural Assembly members group chair, on June 27 issued a statement demanding that the governor withdraw his remarks.

Later, the governor in a statement said, "As no evidence shows that the Japanese military directly conscripted 'comfort women,' the argument for the existence of 'wartime sex slaves' is groundless."

Yamagishi on July 4 issued another statement, saying,

"The JCP demands that the governor show his courage in facing up to the atrocities Japan committed in the past and that he retracts his remarks by demonstrating his morality as a politician."

Yamagishi pointed out that testimonies given by both victims and perpetrators of the atrocities clearly showed that most of the women at the wartime brothels run by the Japanese military had been forced into serving and confined there against their will.

Yamagishi stated, "Governor Ueda's remarks are nothing but choking off the screams of the victims who had suffered tortures beyond description, both emotionally and physically."
- Akahata, June 28 and July 5, 2006